Medical Scope Device With Improved Radio Frequency Data Interface

ABSTRACT

A medical camera system includes a video medical scope defining an enclosed space within a distal portion and a proximal portion that a user can attach and detach to each other. The two portions both have an interface for coupling to each other allowing radio frequency communications across a patient isolation barrier having improvements to avoid interfering with surrounding equipment. Power transfer elements provide for power transfer across the patient isolation barrier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/598,196, filed May 17, 2017, and entitled “Apparatus andMethod of Providing An Interface To An Electrically Powered Instrument”,which application is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 15/161,007,filed May 20, 2016, and entitled “Apparatus and Method of Providing AnInterface To An Electrically Powered Instrument”; and is related toco-pending continuation-in-part U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/598,206, filed May 17, 2017 and also entitled “Apparatus and Methodof Providing An Interface To An Electrically Powered Instrument”.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to electrical power and data interfaces withobservation instruments, including optical instruments such asendoscopic devices. More particularly, the invention relates toconnectors which are used to provide an interface between anelectrically operated instrument and control or related equipment forthe instrument. The invention also relates to methods for providing suchan interface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Observation instruments, including optical instruments such asendoscopes, borescopes, and exoscopes may include an electronic imagingdevice located, for example, at the distal end of an elongated shaft orin a camera head which is connected to an elongated shaft. Whetherpositioned at the distal end of the endoscope shaft or in the camerahead, the electronic imaging device may be one or more charge coupleddevices (CCDs) or CMOS imaging devices together with other electroniccomponents. Other electronic devices such as LED or other light sourcesmay be included in the instrument. The camera head (or an instrumentbody or handle in the case of some observation instruments) is typicallyconnected via a suitable cable to a camera control unit, commonlyreferred to as a “CCU.” The cable provides paths for carrying electricalpower to the camera head and data signals to and from the camera head.In particular, image data captured by the imaging device is transmittedover the cable to the CCU for processing and ultimately for display onmonitors which are connected directly to the CCU or to an intermediatemonitor driving device. Control signals and power for operating theelectronic components in the instrument may be transmitted over thecable from the CCU to the scope and/or camera head.

It is known in the art to transmit data signals from an endoscope to aCCU in the form of optical signals rather than electrical signals. U.S.Publication 2015/0250378, for example, uses a cable between a camerahead and CCU which includes optical fibers for carrying optical datasignals from the camera head to the CCU. The camera head in this exampleincludes circuitry for converting the captured image data from theelectronic data signals generated by the imaging device to optical datasignals which are then inserted into the optical fibers of the cable.U.S. Publication 2015/0250378 also discloses that the cable from thecamera head to CCU may include electrical signal paths in addition tothe optical signal paths.

U.S. Publication 2008/0225134 shows another endoscopic system having acable between the CCU and camera head which includes both electricalsignal paths and an optical path. In this case, the optical path is usedto provide illumination light to the endoscope.

U.S. Publication No. 2014/0184771 teaches a camera system having acamera head with an imaging device and a first connector; a cameracontrol unit with a processor and a second connector configured toremovably engage the first connector; and wherein the first connectorand the second connector are configured to allow for contactlesstransfer of data from the camera head to the camera control unit andcontactless transfer of power from the camera control unit to the camerahead.

U.S. Publication No. 2016/0089000 teach an endoscope which can performnon-contact electric power supply and non-contact signal transmission. Apower receiving unit, an image signal transmission unit, and anendoscope side signal transmission and reception unit are disposed inthe space (hollow structure) of a first connector of an endoscope. Thefirst connector includes a first connector case and a second connectorcase disposed in order from a side of the second connector, and adivision line between the first and second connector cases includes aninclined portion that is inclined with respect to an insertion directionof the first and second connectors.

Medical devices such as endoscopes require an electrical isolationbarrier between the CCU and camera head/endoscope. This electricalisolation barrier is required to ensure that an inappropriate electricalsignal is not inadvertently applied to the endoscope and thus to thepatient in which the endoscope is used. Where a cable running betweenthe CCU and endoscope includes electrical signal paths, such as in bothof the above-mentioned U.S. patent application publications, it has beennecessary for the electrical isolation barrier to be included in thecircuitry of the CCU. This requirement of the electrical isolationbarrier in the CCU greatly complicates the circuitry of the device.Further, the cable portion of a typical videoendoscope system is arelatively very expensive portion of the system and presents furtherdifficulties in rotating the instrument during use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a medical camera system withimproved communications across a patient isolation barrier. Anotherobject of the invention is to provide a medical camera system allowing aproximal portion with a cable end to be disconnected from a distalportion with an image sensor, allowing interchangeability anddisposability of distal portions. It is a further object in someembodiments of the invention to improve surgical procedures by allowingrotatability between a medical camera system proximal portion attachedto a cable, and a distal portion having a shaft with an image sensor.

To achieve these objects, a medical camera system is provided includinga video medical scope defining an enclosed space within a distal portionand a proximal portion that a user can attach and detach to each other.The two portions both have an interface for coupling to each otherallowing communications across a patient isolation barrier. Powertransfer elements provide for power transfer across the patientisolation barrier.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a video medical scopedefining an enclosed space within a distal portion and a proximalportion, the video medical scope includes at least one image sensor forproviding image data. A distal interface is arranged within the distalportion and includes a first radio frequency (RF) transmitter includinga first RF antenna communicatively coupled to a first RF modulator andconfigured to transmit modulated image data beyond the enclosed space.The first RF antenna includes a short range low power RF antennacentrally located along the axis of rotation whereby the proximalportion and the distal portion rotate with respect to each other. Thedistal interface further includes a power receiving element forwirelessly receiving electrical. The proximal portion of the scopeincludes a proximal interface, with the distal and proximal interfacesadapted to releasably couple to each other and each interface lying onopposite sides of the enclosed space. The proximal interface includes asecond RF antenna configured to receive the modulated image data fromthe first RF antenna. A first RF receiver is configured to receive themodulated image data from the second RF antenna. A power transmittingelement is provided for wirelessly transmitting the electrical powerwhen the first power transfer element is placed within a power couplingdistance from the first receiving element. The first RF transmitter andfirst RF receiver are configured to provide a RF communication channelbetween the first RF transmitter and the first RF receiver when thedistal and proximal interfaces are coupled.

In some implementations of the first aspect, the scope further includesa second RF modulator arranged within the proximal portion, the secondRF modulator adapted to be communicatively coupled to a camera controlunit (CCU) and configured to pass on control data for the image sensorfrom the CCU.

In some implementations of the first aspect, a first faraday cagestructure is positioned surrounding the first RF antenna in alldirections excepting the proximal direction, and a second faraday cagestructure positioned surrounding the second RF antenna in all directionsexcepting the distal direction.

In some implementations of the first aspect, first RF antenna may be adirectional antenna having a directional emission pattern directedtoward the second antenna when the when the distal and proximalinterfaces are coupled, and the second RF antenna is a directionalantenna having a directional emission pattern directed toward the firstRF antenna when the distal and proximal interfaces are coupled.

In some implementations of the first aspect, the first RF modulator andthe first RF antenna make up a low power, near-field radio transmitter.

In some implementations of the first aspect, the proximal portionincludes a first receptacle into which the distal portion is adapted tobe partially inserted to couple the proximal and distal portions, thepower transmitting element including an inductive coil positioned aroundan inside wall of the first receptacle, and the power receiving elementincluding an inductive coil positioned along an outer edge of the distalportion.

In some implementations of the first aspect, the power transmittingelement includes a first flat inductive coil positioned in a radialextension of the proximal portion, and the power receiving elementincluding a second flat inductive coil positioned in a radial extensionof the distal portion.

In some implementations of the first aspect, the distal portion containsan illumination light emitting device.

In some implementations of the first aspect, the proximal portionfurther includes a control data modulator coupled to the powertransmitting element and adapted for transmitting control data to thedistal portion via inductive coupling through the power transmittingelement and the power receiving element.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a video medical scope isprovided, the scope body defining an enclosed space within a distalportion and a proximal portion. The scope includes at least one imagesensor for providing image data. A distal interface is arranged withinthe distal portion and including a first radio frequency (RF)transmitter including a first RF antenna communicatively coupled to afirst RF modulator and configured to transmit the modulated image databeyond the enclosed space. A first faraday cage structure is positionedsurrounding the first RF antenna in all directions excepting theproximal direction. A power receiving element is provided for wirelesslyreceiving electrical power. A corresponding proximal interface arrangedwithin the proximal portion, with the distal and proximal interfacesarranged to be coupled to each other and each interface lying onopposite sides of enclosed space. The proximal interface includes asecond RF antenna configured to receive the modulated image data fromthe first RF antenna. A second faraday cage structure is positionedsurrounding the second RF antenna in all directions excepting the distaldirection. A first RF receiver configured to receive the modulated imagedata from the second RF antenna. A power transmitting element isprovided for wirelessly transmitting the electrical power when the firstpower transfer element is placed within a power coupling distance fromthe first receiving element. The first RF transmitter and first RFreceiver are configured to provide a RF communication channel betweenthe first RF transmitter and the first RF receiver.

In some implementations of the second aspect, the first RF antennaincludes a short range low power RF antenna centrally located along theaxis of rotation whereby the proximal portion and the distal portionrotate with respect to each other.

In some implementations of the second aspect, the first RF antenna is adirectional antenna having a directional pattern pointing toward thesecond antenna when the when the distal and proximal interfaces arecoupled, and the second RF antenna is a directional antenna having adirectional pattern pointing toward the first RF antenna.

In some implementations of the second aspect, the first RF modulator andthe first RF antenna make up a low power, near-field radio transmitter.

In some implementations of the second aspect, the proximal portionincludes a first receptacle into which the distal portion is adapted tobe partially inserted to couple the proximal and distal portions, thepower transmitting element including an inductive coil positioned aroundan inside wall of the first receptacle, and the power receiving elementincluding an inductive coil positioned along an outer edge of the distalportion.

In some implementations of the second aspect, the power transmittingelement includes a first flat inductive coil positioned in a radialextension of the proximal portion, and the power receiving elementincludes a second flat inductive coil positioned in a radial extensionof the distal portion.

In some implementations of the second aspect, the distal portioncontains an illumination light emitting device.

In some implementations of the second aspect, the proximal portionfurther includes a control data modulator coupled to the powertransmitting element and adapted for transmitting control data to thedistal portion via inductive coupling through the power transmittingelement and the power receiving element.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a video medical scope isprovided defining an enclosed space within a distal portion and aproximal portion. The scope includes at least one image sensor forproviding image data. A distal interface is arranged within the distalportion and including a first radio frequency (RF) transmitter includinga first RF antenna communicatively coupled to a first RF modulator andconfigured to transmit modulated image data beyond the enclosed; thedistal interface further including a power receiving element forwirelessly receiving electrical power. A proximal interface is arrangedwithin the proximal portion, the distal and proximal interfaces areadapted to releasably couple to each other and each interface lying onopposite sides of the enclosed space, the proximal interface including asecond RF antenna configured to receive the modulated image data fromthe first RF antenna. The proximal portion includes a first RF receiverconfigured to receive the modulated image data from the second RFantenna, and a power transmitting element for wirelessly transmittingthe electrical power when the first power transfer element is placedwithin a power coupling distance from the first receiving element. Thefirst RF transmitter and first RF receiver are respectively configuredto provide a RF communication channel between the first RF transmitterand the first RF receiver when the distal and proximal interfaces arecoupled. The first RF antenna is a directional antenna having adirectional emission pattern directed toward the second antenna when thewhen the distal and proximal interfaces are coupled, and the second RFantenna is a directional antenna having a directional emission patterndirected toward the first RF antenna when the distal and proximalinterfaces are coupled.

In some implementations of the third aspect, the scope further includesa first faraday cage structure positioned surrounding the first RFantenna in all directions excepting the proximal direction, and a secondfaraday cage structure positioned surrounding the second RF antenna inall directions excepting the distal direction.

In some implementations of the third aspect, the first RF modulator andthe first RF antenna include a low power, near-field radio transmitter,and first RF receiver and the second RF antenna include a low power,near-field radio receiver.

These and other advantages and features of the invention will beapparent from the following description of representative embodiments,considered along with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an endoscopic system incorporating aninterface device according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the interface device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation showing a power transfer elementarrangement according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation showing a power transfer elementarrangement according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of a cable thatmay be employed with the interface device shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a view in perspective showing a pair of connectors making upan interface device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a view in perspective showing an end of one of the connectorsshown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a view in perspective similar to FIG. 6, but showing thehousing of each connector and certain other features in dashed lines toshow the internal components of the connectors and their positionrelative to the respective housing.

FIG. 9 is a view in section though the connectors shown in FIGS. 6 and 8in an operating position, the section being taken along a vertical planethrough the center longitudinal axis of the connectors.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a system includingtwo connectors.

FIG. 11 is a cross section diagram of another example cable.

FIGS. 12-14 show perspective diagrams of different example connectorembodiments.

FIG. 15 is a side view diagram of an example connector.

FIG. 16 shows perspective diagrams of additional example connectors.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a medical camera system according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the videomedical scope of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross-section schematic block diagram of another examplevideo medical scope for use in a system herein.

FIG. 20 is perspective view of the video medical scope of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is an end-on diagram view of a distal portion of another exampleembodiment of a two-part scope.

FIG. 22 is a side view block diagram of the element of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a side view block diagram of a medical camera systemaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 24 is an end-on diagram view of a distal portion of the medicalcamera system of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a side view block diagram of a medical camera systemaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 26 is an end-on diagram view of a distal portion of the medicalcamera system of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a medical camera system according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 28 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the proximal interfaceof the distal portion according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment which modulatescontrol data onto a power transfer field.

FIG. 30 shows an end-on diagram of distal portion of the sameembodiment.

FIG. 31 shows an end-on view of another example distal portion havingthe faraday cage structure positioned outside of the coils of powertransfer element.

FIG. 32 is a perspective diagram of a video scope device according toanother example embodiment employing RF video data transmission.

Like numbers generally indicate like elements in the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is disclosed below in the context of an endoscopicsystem. Embodiments also include apparatus and methods for otherelectrically powered instruments. Thus, optical instruments (e.g., videocameras, endoscopes, exoscopes, borescopes) employing high-resolutionimaging (e.g., a 4K resolution design) is an illustrative, butnon-limiting example embodiment. More generally, an interface orconnector within the scope of the following claims may have applicationin connection with any observation instrument.

FIG. 1 shows an endoscopic system 100 employing an interface device 101according to the present invention. System 100 includes a camera controlunit (“CCU”) 104, a camera head 105, and an endoscope 106. CCU 104 isconnected to send a signal to a monitor control unit 108 connected tomonitors 109 for displaying images from camera head 105 or endoscope106.

Interface device 101 is interposed between CCU 104 and camera head 105and functions as a detachable link for data communication and powertransfer between the CCU and camera head. Both the data communicationand power transfer functions are preferably provided across interfacedevice 101 while the device also maintains an electrical isolationbarrier to camera head 105 and endoscope 106. Data is communicated inthe form of optical data signals S in FIG. 1, both from camera head 105and/or endoscope 106 to CCU 104 and also preferably in the oppositedirection from the CCU to the camera head and/or endoscope. Electricalpower (P in FIG. 1) is transferred only in the direction from CCU 104 tocamera head 105 and/or endoscope 106. The data transmission ratespossible via optical data transmission in the direction from the camerahead 105 to CCU 104 is particularly advantageous for transmitting thelarge amounts of image data that may be collected by an imaging deviceor multiple imaging devices (not shown) associated with endoscope 106 orcamera head 105. Data which may be transmitted from CCU 104 to camerahead 105 and/or endoscope 106 may include control instructions andoperational instructions and data, which may typically be of lesservolume as compared to the image data transmitted in the oppositedirection.

Interface device 101 includes a first connector 111 and a secondconnector 112 which may be connected in an operating position tofacilitate the desired data communication and power transfer. Thisoperating position is schematically indicated in FIG. 1 and will bedescribed in further detail below with reference particularly to FIGS. 2and 9. The two connectors 111 and 112 may be readily separated to detachcamera head 105 and endoscope 106 from CCU 104 and then reconnected inthe operating position as desired. For example, connector 112 may bedetached from connector 111 in preparation for sterilizing camera head105 and/or endoscope 106. Once the sterilization or other process oractivity requiring detachment is complete, connectors 111 and 112 may bereadily connected back together again in the operating position to againfacilitate data communication and power transfer between CCU 104 andcamera head 105/endoscope 106.

The position of interface device 101 shown in FIG. 1 between CCU 104 andcamera head 105 is intended to indicate that the device may beinterposed at any position between those two devices. One embodimentthat will be described further below in connection with FIGS. 2 and 6-9incorporates first connector 111 in a housing for CCU 104. In thisembodiment, first connector 111 may be formed as a receptacle in ahousing for CCU 104 and adapted to receive second connector 112 in theoperating position. Second connector 112 in this embodiment is connectedto a suitable cable having optical conduits such as optical fibers forcarrying the optical signals and suitable conductors for conductingelectrical power to camera head 105. Such a cable will be describedbelow in connection with FIG. 5. However it should be borne in mind thatthe invention is not limited to this arrangement in which one of theconnectors is incorporated in the CCU or one of the other devices in thesystem.

Before moving on to describe further details of interface device 101, itshould be noted that both CCU 104 and camera head 105 include componentsfor supporting the interface. In particular, CCU 104 includes a signalconversion unit 114 to convert incoming optical signals from thedirection of camera head 105 to electrical signals for furtherprocessing and to convert electrical signals generated at the CCU tooptical signals for transmission to the camera head and/or endoscope106. Similarly camera head 105 includes a signal conversion unit 115 forconverting image data and other signals to optical signals fortransmission to CCU 104 and for converting incoming optical signals fromthe CCU 104 to electrical signals for use in the camera head 105 orendoscope 106.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of interface 101 with first connector 111incorporated in a housing 200 for CCU 104. First connector 111 defines areceptacle 201 in CCU housing 200 which is adapted to receive secondconnector 112 in the operating position shown in the figure. Secondconnector 112 in this illustrated embodiment is connected to a cable 204which includes elements for carrying the optical signals and electricalsignals to camera head 105 shown in FIG. 1. Further details of asuitable cable will be described below with reference to FIG. 5.

In order to support the optical data signal communications throughinterface 101, CCU 104 includes signal conversion unit 114. Signalconversion unit 114 includes an electro-optical converter 205 forconverting electrical signals from CCU 104 to optical signals fortransmission in the direction to camera head 105. Signal conversion unit114 also includes an opto-electrical converter 206 for convertingoptical signals received from camera head 105 and/or endoscope 106 toelectrical signals for processing in other elements (not shown) of CCU104. The electro-optical converter 205 and opto-electrical converter 206included in signal conversion unit 114 are well known in the art. Thusthese signal conversion elements will be described herein only generallyso as not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes six different optical signalpaths. A portion of one such optical signal path is shown within dashedbox 208 in FIG. 2. Each optical signal path is defined in part by afirst optical fiber 211 associated with first connector 111 and a secondoptical fiber 212 associated with second connector 112. First opticalfiber 211 terminates in connector 111 in a suitable ferrule 214, whilesecond optical fiber 212 terminates in connector 112 in a correspondingferrule 215. Each ferrule 214 in connector 111 is mounted in analignment block 216 mounted in that connector. Similarly, each ferrule215 in connector 112 is mounted in an alignment block 217 mounted inthat connector. Each alignment block 216 and 217 is positioned to alignwith the opposite alignment block when connectors 111 and 112 are in theillustrated operating position so as to align the terminating end ofeach optical fiber 211 with the terminating end of the correspondingfiber 212 in the respective optical signal path.

Each optical signal path in this illustrated form of the invention alsoincludes an expanded beam coupling arrangement for coupling the opticalsignal carried through one fiber 211 or 212 to the optical fiberincluded with the opposite connector. The expanded beam arrangement fora given optical signal path includes an optical lens 219 aligned withthe terminating end of optical fiber 211, and an optical lens 220aligned with the terminating end of optical fiber 212. Optical lens 219for an incoming optical signal from fiber 211 in the lowermost opticalsignal path shown in dashed box 208 in FIG. 2 is operable to expand andcollimate the incoming optical signal to distribute the optical power ofthe signal over a larger area (larger than the fiber) within thecoupling region defined between the two lenses 219 and 220. On theopposite side of the interface along the lowermost signal path, opticallens 220 serves to focus the expanded beam back down to the area definedby the terminating end of optical fiber 212 in which the signal is to beinserted. Thus the arrangement of operatively aligned fiber 211 andoptical lens 219, and corresponding operatively aligned fiber 212 andoptical lens 220 along a given optical path provides an optical couplingthat couples a light signal exiting one of the fiber ends into the endof the corresponding fiber.

It should be noted here that although the representative embodimentshown in FIG. 2 and embodiments described below in connection with FIGS.6-9 show ball lenses for lenses 219 and 220, the present invention isnot limited to embodiments using ball lenses. Other embodiments mayemploy GRIN lenses, aspherical lenses, or drum lenses with sphericalsurfaces, for example. Also, although the various elements of an opticalsignal path are labeled in FIG. 2 only for the path in dashed box 208.The reference signs for the path in dashed box 208 apply to thecorresponding elements of the other five optical signal paths.

First connector 111 and second connector 112 each includes a suitableprotective transparent cover extending transverse to each signal path.The protective cover for first connector 111 is shown at 221 in FIG. 2,while the protective cover for second connector 112 is shown at 222.Protective covers 221 and 222 may comprise Sapphire or any othersuitable material and forms an exterior surface of the respectiveconnector covering the adjacent optical lens. This arrangement protectsoptical lenses 219 and 220 from damage when connectors 111 and 112 arenot connected in the operating position shown in FIG. 2.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, first and secondconnectors 111 and 112, respectively, are configured to leave an air gap223 between covers 221 and 222 when the connectors are connectedtogether in the operating position. Each optical signal path, such asthe path shown in dashed box 208, includes a portion traversing this airgap 223. Air gap 223 is used to prevent contact between the covers 221and 222, and may be very narrow, on the order of 1 mm or less. It willbe appreciated that other embodiments of the connectors 111 and 112 maybe configured so that there is essentially no air gap between covers 221and 222. Rather, the outer surfaces of covers 221 and 222 may abut eachother when connectors 111 and 112 are connected together in theoperating position.

The example provided in FIG. 2 shows four optical paths (the upper fourin the figure) dedicated for optical transmissions in the direction fromcamera head 105 to CCU 104. These optical transmissions (in theillustrated use in an endoscopic system 100 in FIG. 1) will includeimage data which may include a very large volume of data depending uponthe resolution of the imaging device associated with camera head 105 orendoscope 106 and on other factors. In this example, two optical paths(the lower two in FIG. 2) are dedicated for the transmission ofoptically encoded data in the direction from CCU 104 to camera head 105.This data may include instructions and control signals for camera head105 and/or endoscope 106. It should be appreciated that the invention isnot limited to any particular number of optical paths or any particularoptical encoding technique. Although FIG. 2 suggests that each opticalsignal path accommodates only unidirectional data transmission, otherembodiments may include bidirectional transmission over each opticalpath. Also, various optical signal encoding techniques may be employedto further increase the rate at which data may be transmitted throughinterface 101. For example wave division multiplexing techniques orother multiplexing techniques may be used to transmit multiple differentdata streams contained in a single multiplexed signal across a givenoptical signal path. Of course the receiving and transmitting elementsin CCU 104 and camera head 105 must support the respective encoding andtransmission technique employed across the optical signal paths. Forexample, signal multiplexing techniques employ a multiplexer at thetransmission side and a demultiplexer at the receiving side.

Interface 101 shown in FIG. 2 also includes an arrangement forwirelessly transferring power from first connector 111 on the CCU sideof the interface to second connector 112 on the camera head side of theinterface. This electrical power supplied to camera head 105 and/orendoscope 106 is necessary for operating electronic elements included inthe camera head and endoscope. For example, the electrical power may beused to operate an imaging device and related electronic components incamera head 105 or endoscope 106, opto-electrical and electro-opticalconverters associated with the camera head, and illumination elements(not shown in the figures) associated with the camera head and/orendoscope. The wireless power transfer arrangement includes a firstpower transfer element 227 included with first connector 111, and apower control circuit 228 connected to the first power transfer element.A second power transfer element 230 is included with second connector112 together with a power receiver or conditioner 232. When the twoconnectors 111 and 112 are connected in the operating position indicatedin FIG. 2, the two power transfer elements 227 and 230 are in a powertransfer orientation with respect to each other, which, in thisembodiment comprises an orientation in which the power transfer elementsare inductively coupled. Power control circuit 228 is operable to supplya suitable driving signal to cause a variable current flow in firstpower transfer element 227 and consequent electromagnetic field aroundthe first power transfer element. This field produced around first powertransfer element 227 induces a current in second power transfer element230. The induced current is conditioned by power receiver/conditionercircuit 232 to provide a suitable power signal for transmission to thecamera head over electrical conductors included in cable 204. Forexample, power receiver/conditioner circuit 232 may comprise a suitablerectifying circuit for converting the signal induced in second powertransfer element 230 to a DC voltage signal suitable for use byelectronic components included in camera head 105 and endoscope 106(shown in FIG. 1).

This preferred arrangement of wireless power transfer between connectors111 and 112 results in complete electrical isolation between electricalcircuits associated with the first connector and electrical circuitsassociated with the second connector. Thus interface 101 itself made upof connectors 111 and 112 provides the required electrical isolationbarrier between CCU 104 and camera head 105/endoscope 106. Thiselectrical isolation barrier included in interface 101 obviates the needfor an electrical isolation barrier in the circuitry of CCU 104, whichis typically complicated and serves as a constraint on CCU design.

It should be appreciated that although the wireless power transferarrangement across connectors 111 and 112 represents a preferred form ofthe present invention, alternative embodiments may include acontact-type power transfer arrangement which relies on electricalcontacts in the connectors. In this alternative arrangement the firstpower transfer element comprises a pair of electrical contacts (positiveand negative) associated with one connector while the second powertransfer element comprises a corresponding pair of electrical contactsassociated with the other connector. The like polarity contacts in thesetwo pairs of electrical contacts would simply make contact with eachother when connectors 111 and 112 are connected in the operatingposition. This contacting position represents the power transferorientation in this contact-type embodiment. Of course, the contact-typeembodiments do not provide the electrical isolation provided by theembodiment shown in FIG. 2. Thus a system such as system 100 in FIG. 1employing a data and power interface having a contact-type powertransfer arrangement would have to provide an electrical isolationbarrier outside of the interface.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show alternative arrangements for first and second powertransfer elements, 227 and 230, respectively, shown in FIG. 2. Thehigh-level schematic diagram of FIG. 3 shows that the first and secondpower transfer elements may each comprise a suitable planar spiral coil.In particular, a first planar spiral coil 301 comprises the powertransfer element associated with first connector 111, and is alignedwith its plane parallel to a first side 302 of that connector. This side302 forms an inner surface of the receptacle defined by first connector111 in this example. A second planar spiral coil 303 comprising thepower transfer element associated with second connector 112 is mountedparallel to a side surface 304 of that connector. When first connector111 and second connector 112 are placed in the operating positionindicated in FIG. 3, the spiral coil 301 comprising the first powertransfer element aligns with the spiral coil 303 comprising the secondpower transfer element so that the two coils are inductively coupled.

The high-level schematic diagram in FIG. 4 shows an alternativearrangement in which a helical coil 401 comprises the power transferelement associated with the first connector 111. This helical coil 401protrudes from first connector 111 into the area defined by thereceptacle of the first connector. A second helical coil 402 comprisesthe power transfer element associated with second connector 112. Helicalcoil 402 in this embodiment has a diameter large enough to receivehelical coil 401. When first connector 111 and second connector 112 areplaced in the operating position with the second connector received inthe receptacle defined by the first connector, helical coil 401comprising the first power transfer element aligns with and extends intohelical coil 402 comprising the second power transfer element so thatthe two coils are inductively coupled to facilitate the desired powertransfer. Of course other arrangements within the scope of the presentinvention may reverse the helical coils so that a helical coil onconnector 112 extends into the area defined by a larger diameter helicalcoil on connector 111.

The schematic representation of FIG. 5 shows a cable structure which maybe employed for cable 204 shown in FIG. 2. In this example, cable 204includes a cover material 501 lined inside by a moisture protectionlayer 502 and an EMF shielding layer 504. These three layers 501, 502,and 504 define and interior area 505 for optical fibers, electricalconductors, and reinforcing elements as desired. In particular, interiorarea 505 provides room for six optical fibers 507, which, together witha filler or reinforcing element 508 are grouped together in a mono coil510 lined with a suitable protective layer 511. Area 505 also providesroom for two conductors 514 (separate power and ground conductors) whichmay comprise sheathed AWG 26 copper wire for example. The example ofFIG. 5 also shows three strands of filler/reinforcement 515. It will beappreciated that optical fibers 507 shown in FIG. 5 comprise thecontinuation of fibers 212 which terminate in second connector 112 inFIG. 2. Conductors 514 terminate in second connector 112 shown in FIG. 2at power receiver/conditioner 232.

This cable arrangement shown in FIG. 5 has the advantage that the bundleof optical fibers may be readily changed as desired by simply pullingthe fiber 507 and filler/reinforcement strand 508, and replacing thatbundle with another bundle having more or fewer fibers. Cable 204 shownin FIG. 5 may also be modified by using the conductive mono coil 510 andthe EMF shielding 504 to replace the two copper conductors 514. Thisallows the cable to have a smaller diameter, or allows the area taken upby conductors 514 to be used for additional optical fibers, preferablyrun in one or more additional mono coils. In any event, the combinationof optical fiber transmission elements together with the electricalconductors allows the cable to support the optical data transmission andelectrical power transfer facilitated by interface 101.

FIGS. 6 through 9 show an example of an interface device 101 in whichfirst connector 111 is adapted to be incorporated with the housing ofanother component such as CCU 104 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 6,first connector 111 includes a housing 601 while second connector 112includes a housing 602. Housings 601 and 602 each provide an enclosurefor components of the respective connector. Housing 601 also includes aflange 604 by which first connector 111 may be secured to a componentsuch as CCU 104 in FIG. 1. Housing 601 also defines a receptacle 201 inwhich housing 602 for connector 112 can be inserted to place the twoconnectors in the operating position. Second connector 112 is connectedto cable 204 which extends to a camera head or endoscope such as thosedescribed above.

The perspective of FIG. 7 shows an end of connector 112 which isreceived in receptacle 201 defined by housing 601 in FIG. 6 when theconnectors are brought together in the operating position. This end ofconnector 112 includes a recess 701 in which the alignment block 217 ofconnector 112 is mounted. An alignment pin 702 projects from a face ofalignment block 217, while an alignment pin receiver opening 704 is alsolocated on the face of the alignment block. A recess 706 for receivingprotective cover 222 is formed between alignment pin 702 and alignmentpin receiver 704. An end of the portion of each optical signal path inconnector 112 is visible in FIG. 7 within the area of recess 706 behindthe transparent protective cover 222. Each such end is defined by acircular opening 707. A lens retainer 708 is apparent in each suchcircular opening in the perspective of FIG. 7, although componentswithin each optical signal path are not visible in this view. Componentswithin each optical signal path are, however, shown in the section viewof FIG. 9, as will be described below.

FIG. 8 shows both connectors 111 and 112 aligned so that they may bebrought together in the operating position. The connector housings(housing 601 and 602) are shown in dashed lines in FIG. 8 (as are powercontrol circuit 228 and coil 607 for connector 111) so that the internalcomponents of each connector are visible. The internal components ofeach connector are also shown in the section view of FIG. 9 which istaken along a vertical plane through the center longitudinal axis of theconnectors 111 and 112 in the operating position.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show alignment block 216 for connector 111 and alignmentblock 217 for connector 112. As is apparent from FIG. 8, alignment block216 includes a complementary structure to alignment block 217 with analignment pin 802 and an alignment pin receiver opening 804. When thetwo connectors 111 and 112 are brought together in the operatingposition shown in FIG. 9, the alignment pin of one alignment block isreceived with close tolerance in the alignment pin receiver opening ofthe opposite alignment block. This alignment arrangement helps ensureproper alignment of the respective portions of the optical paths formedby the two connectors. As shown in FIG. 8, alignment block 216 alsoincludes a recess 806 in which is mounted transparent protective cover221. An end of each optical path portion in connector 111 is alsovisible through the transparent protective material as circular openingsalthough these circular openings are not labeled in the figure in viewof the scale of the drawing.

A rear side of alignment block 217 in connector 112 is visible in theview of FIG. 8. This rear side is the side opposite the side shown inthe view of FIG. 7. The ferrules 215 for alignment block 217 are visiblein FIG. 8, while the section view of FIG. 9 shows two of the ferrulesassociated with both alignment blocks, namely, ferrules 214 in alignmentblock 216 and ferrules 215 in alignment block 217. The section view ofFIG. 9 also shows the optical lenses 219 and 220, lens retainers 708 and808, and protective cover material 221 and 222 associated with two ofthe optical paths defined through the connectors in the operatingposition.

The example interface device 101 shown in FIGS. 6-9 employs a circulararrangement of ferrules in each alignment block (216, 217). That is, thearrangement includes five ferrules arranged in a circle with the sixthferrule in the center of that circular shape. The circular arrangementis desirable because it makes efficient use of space in the alignmentblocks. However, ferrules may be arranged in any pattern in an alignmentblock in embodiments of the invention to suit the given application.

It should be noted here that both FIGS. 8 and 9 omit the optical fiberswhich would be included in connectors 111 and 112 (as shown in FIG. 2)and also omit the electrical conductors extending from circuits 228 and232. The fibers and conductors are omitted from these views in order tobetter show the remaining structure of the connectors. Those familiarwith optical fiber connections will appreciate that the respective fiberreceived in a given one of the ferrules 214 or 215 would be positionedso that its end is effectively optically coupled to the respective lens219 or 220. The fiber may or may not abut the lens depending upon theproperties of the lens. In connector 112 each fiber would extend awayfrom its respective ferrule and into cable 204. Each fiber in connector111 would extend from the respective ferrule to the signal conversionunit associated with that connector (such as conversion unit 114 shownin FIGS. 1 and 2).

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9 includes a power transfer arrangementin which the two connectors 111 and 112 are electrically isolated fromeach other and power is transferred via an inductive coupling. Theinductive coupling in this case is between planar spiral coils. Coil 608is included on connector 112 and mounted with its plane parallel to atop side of housing 602 in the orientation of the figure. Although it islargely obscured in FIG. 6 by power control circuit 228, connector 111includes a corresponding spiral coil 607. Coil 607 is mounted outside ofreceptacle 201 with its plane extending parallel to a top side of theconnector in the orientation of the figure. As will be described furtherbelow in connection particularly with FIG. 9, these locations of thecoils 607 and 608 facilitate the desired inductive coupling when theconnectors are in the operating position.

FIG. 7 shows that coil 608 is mounted in a top recess 710 in connectorhousing 602 so that the coil does not protrude from an uppermost planeof the connector. Conductors 711 extend to the powerreceiving/conditioning circuit 232 (shown in FIG. 8) inside housing 602.Although this recessed arrangement for coil 608 is preferred, otherforms of the invention may use a planar coil that is mounted on top ofthe top surface of housing 602 so that the coil protrudes somewhat fromthat surface.

FIG. 9 shows that the two coils are aligned for inductive coupling whenthe connectors are placed in the operating position. In particular, theposition of each coil in its respective connector allows the two coilsto reside essentially parallel to each other and in alignment when theconnectors are placed in the operating position. This alignment of coils607 and 608 produces an inductive coupling between the two coils toallow transfer of electrical power from connector 111 to connector 112as described above.

Regardless of the power transfer arrangement that may be used in a givenembodiment of the present invention, and regardless of the number ofoptical signal paths employed for data communications across interfacedevice 101, connectors 111 and 112 will be held securely together in theoperating position in order to form the desired interface. Any suitabletechnique or combinations of arrangements may be used within the scopeof the invention to secure connectors 111 and 112 in the desiredoperating position to facilitate power transfer and data communication,but allow the connectors to be readily separated as desired. Forexample, detents may be included on the exterior of one connector andcooperate with corresponding projections on the opposite connector toretain connectors 111 and 112 in the desired operating position. Inanother arrangement, one connector may include a locking feature such asa suitable ridge and the other connector may include a cooperating latchpiece adapted to reside in either a locking position in which itcontacts the locking feature to retain the connectors in the operatingposition, or a release position in which the connectors may beseparated. In the example of FIGS. 6-9, the alignment pins 702 and 802and alignment pin receiving openings 704 and 804 may be formed fromsuitable material and sized to provide a friction fit which holds thetwo connectors together once in the operating position until a suitableseparating force is applied to separate the connectors.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a system includingtwo connectors. In this version, a gastrointestinal (GI) endoscope isconnected to a CCU or other device 1004 using connectors 1011 and 1012to cable 204 for connection to a GI endoscope 1022. The cable 204 mayalso carry air or insufflation gases, a water line, and a suction lineas seen in FIG. 11 for use in GI scope procedures. The CCU 1004 may be aCCU, a light source, a combination of modular components, or a combinedcontrol module (combi-box) including an internal air supply module 1006,and an illumination light source 1008. These may also be external to theCCU 1004 but connected to ports or channels provided on the combi-boxfor supplying the respective channels to first connector 1011. Whilevarious versions of a CCU are described here, another device such as alight supply or other modular device for a medical system may be placedat the position shown for CCU 1004, which may connect by a wired orwireless connection to a CCU or other imaging controller associated withthe scope. An electrical signal 1009 may also be connected to firstconnector 1011 for coupling to cable 204. A suction device 1010 mayconnect on an additional external port of connector 1011 or may alsoconnect through first connector 1011 as depicted by the optionalpositions for suction 1010. A water supply line 1012 is shown with thesame options. The signal conversion unit 114 may be placed adjacent toconnector 1011 in the CCU or other device 1004, or elsewhere inside theCCU or other device, and performs the functions described above ofconverting incoming optical signals from the attached scope or camerahead to electrical signals for further processing and convertingelectrical signals generated at the CCU to optical signals fortransmission to the scope or camera head. GI endoscope 1022 includes aflexible scope shaft 1021 and image sensor module 1020, which iselectrically coupled to signal processor 1024 for providing image data.The image data is transmitted to optical fibers 507 (shown in FIG. 11)in cable 204 by fiber optic transmitter 1023. Typically, elements 1023and 1024 are positioned in a scope handle while the image sensor module1020 is positioned at the distal end of the scope shaft 1021.

FIGS. 12-15 show diagrams of different connector embodiments forconnectors 1011 and 1012. Referring to the version of FIG. 12, depictedis an apparatus 1001 for providing a detachable data and power interfaceto an electrically powered medical instrument such as a GI endoscope.The apparatus includes a first connector 1011 including a first surface1002 and a first receptacle 1007 formed at an exterior surface of CCU orother device 1004 expressing the first surface. (The receptacle mayinstead be an extension similar to that of FIG. 14.) To the left, asecond connector 1012 is shown, the second connector 1012 is adapted tointerface with the first connector 1011 in an operating position, inthis case inserted into the receptacle 1007 and secured with a suitablemechanism. First connector 1011 includes a first surface 1002 and ingeneral one or more first channels adapted to carry at least one of anoptically modulated data signal, an electrical signal, illuminationlight, and fluid (e.g., air or liquid).

The one or more first channels extending through first surface 1002 ofthe first connector 1011, each first channel terminating at a respectivefirst channel end. Second connector 1012 generally has correspondingchannels including one or more second channels adapted to carry the atleast one of the optically modulated data signal, the electrical signal,the illumination light, the air, and the liquid, the one or more secondchannels extending through the second surface 1003. The second channelscan be seen terminating at their respective channel ends along thesecond surface 1003, with each respective second channel being alignedfor coupling across a coupling region with one of the first channelswhen the first connector and second connector are interfaced in theoperating position. One or more of the channels may also include aprojection from the surface 1002 or 1003 to form a plug for sealing andengaging the channel. For example, FIG. 15 shows a side view of a secondconnector 1012 showing suitable projections for channels 1201 and 1202,which in this embodiment channel 1201 carries illumination light andchannel 1201 carries air supply. These projections may be made of asuitable rigid or semi rigid material or combination of materials suchas plastic, metal, or ceramics, for example. The construction of suchprojections is known in the art and will not be further described. Careshould be taken in the design to avoid placing metal structures inpositions that interfere with the electro-magnetic fields created duringinductive power transfer. Also shown in FIG. 15 is a suction line port1502 to which an external suction line may be connected for supplyingsuction line to the instrument, such as GI endoscope, through suctionline 1108 (FIG. 11). A similar port may be provided, on the oppositeside of second connector 1012, for a water supply port connecting towater supply line 1106 in cable 204 (FIG. 11).

Referring again to FIG. 12, in this embodiment, modulated optical datasignals are transmitted through two channels having channel ends, whichin this example are lenses 1103 and 1104, present along first surface1003 of first connector 1011, which couple signals to correspondinglight channels on second connector 1012, in this example having channelends at lenses 1203 and 1204 on second surface 1203 of second connector1012. Light supply channel 1101 along first surface 1002 of the firstconnector 1011 similarly channels illumination light for the scope tolight supply channel 1201 on the second connector 1012, which is coupledto the light carrier 1124 in cable 204 (FIG. 11). Air supply channel1102 of first connector 1011 couples with air supply channel 1202 on thesecond connector, which is coupled to air line 1122 in cable 204. Anelectrical signal channel 1106 similarly couples to channel 1206,preferably by inductive coupling to provide electrical isolation, but insome cases a contact electrode may be used. This couples an electricalsignal 1009 (FIG. 10) which is then carried by electrical conductor 1111in cable 204, and may be used for operation (e.g., an electrode scalpel)or for data transfer (e.g., an electrical data signal).

A first power transfer element 1105 is shown mounted on the firstconnector 1011 along at least one internal surface of the firstreceptacle 1007 (which may instead be an extension as shown in FIG. 14).As depicted, power transfer element 1105 in this version is an inductivecoil arranged just beneath an interior surface of the first connectorreceptacle 1007 of CCU 1004 or other device, however this is notlimiting and other suitable locations may be used as further describedbelow. A second power transfer element 1205 is mounted on the secondconnector 1012 along at least one side surface, and is also depicted inthis example as a coil shown in dotted lines beneath an outer surface ofsecond connector 1012. The first power transfer element 1105 and thesecond power transfer element 1205 are aligned in a power transferorientation when the first connector and second connector are interfacedin the operating position. The first power transfer element 1105 may beembodied as a first flattened inductive coil and the second powertransfer element 1205 comprises a second flattened inductive coil,although other suitable power transfer elements may be used. The powertransfer orientation in such case will be an orientation facilitatinginductive coupling between the two inductive coils 1105 and 1205.

The one or more first channels, in this case two channels with channelends at lenses 1103 and 1104, include first optical data conduitsconnected to fibers or electro-optic converters. The one or more secondchannels, in this case channels, again in this example shown by theirchannel ends at lenses 1203 and 1204, include second optical dataconduits connected to respective fibers 507 in the cable 204. Eachrespective second optical data conduit is aligned for optical couplingacross a coupling region, in this case between the two opposing opticallenses, with one of the first optical conduits when the first connectorand second connector are interfaced in the operating position. Thechannels ending at 1203 and 1204 are coupled inside second connector1012 to respective optical fibers 507 as shown in the cable 204 of FIG.11. Preferably the optical channels include wavelength divisionmultiplexing allowing multiple optical signals to be transmitted orreceived simultaneously. While two optical channels are shown here, moremay be used, such as in the example shown in FIG. 5 where six opticalchannels are transmitted through six optical fibers.

In the version shown in FIG. 12, the first connector 1011 defines areceptacle 1007 and in the operating position at least a portion of thesecond connector 1012 is received within the receptacle 1007 defined bythe first connector 1011. In this case the receptacle 1007 includes anenclosure, however other versions may not be totally enclosed with solidside walls. Further, while a first connector 1011 is shown mounted on aCCU or combi-box supply, this is not limiting and the first connector1011 may be connected to a CCU and possibly other supply units with oneor more cables. Preferably, the body of connectors 1011 and 1012, in thevarious embodiments herein, are constructed from a high temperaturematerial or combination of materials such as, for example, plastic orceramic to electrically isolate and insulate the various channels andpower transfer elements. The body may also be sealed with a suitableliquid proof resin.

FIG. 11 shows a cross sectional schematic diagram of a cable structurewhich may be employed for cable 204 according to one or more additionalembodiments in which the cable carries further channels such as an airsupply line, a suction line, and a water or liquid supply line as used,for example, with gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopes. Similarly, as withthe cable of FIG. 5, cable 205 has three outer layers 501, 502, and 504that define and interior area 505 for optical fibers, electricalconductors, other channels, and reinforcing elements as desired. Theelements similarly present in the cable of FIG. 5 bear the samenumbering and will not be described again here. In FIG. 11, cable 204includes a suction line 1108 for supplying suction to the medicaldevice, which may be supplied with suction through a channel in both thefirst and second connectors 1011 and 1012, or through an external porton the second connector 1012. Water supply line 1126 provides watersupply to the medical device, and may be similarly coupled through theconnectors or through a dedicated external water port on the secondconnector 1012.

FIG. 13 is a perspective diagram showing two connectors similar to thatof FIG. 12, but with the first and second power transfer elements 1105and 1205 constructed differently. In this example version, first powertransfer element 1105 is positioned within the first connector 1011around the perimeter of the receptacle 1007 forming the first connector1011. It may also be positioned along the first surface 1002. The firstpower transfer element 1105 defines a first cross-sectional shape, inthis example circular, that encompasses at least one of the one or morefirst channels and has a first central axis X, shown by the dotted line,extending through the first surface 1002. Similarly the second powertransfer element 1205 is positioned along the outer perimeter of secondconnector 1012, or may be positioned along the peripheral edges ofsurface 1003, and defines a second cross-sectional shape thatencompasses at least one of the one or more second channels, with thecentral axis, shown by the second dotted line Y, of this shape extendingthrough the second surface 1003. Preferably the first and second powertransfer elements 1105 and 1205 are constructed as inductive coilswhich, in this version, are nested with second power transfer element1205 inside first power transfer element 1105 when the connectors areplaced in the operating position.

FIG. 16 shows perspective diagrams of two connectors similar to those ofFIG. 13, and each having a centrally arranged optical channel, ending atlenses 1103 and 1203. In this example embodiment, the second connector1012 may be rotated within the first connector 1011 during operation,with the position of the optical channels allowing the lenses or otheroptical coupling elements to maintain their optical coupling as theconnector is rotated, which may be useful for endoscopic connections,for example, that often require an endoscope to be rotated during amedical procedure. As can be seen in the diagrams, the central axis Xand Y of the power transfer element cross sectional shapes extendsthrough the channels 1103 and 1203, respectively.

FIG. 14 shows perspective diagrams of two connectors according toanother example embodiment. The first connector 1011 in this version isformed with a projection 1403 from the body of CCU or other device 1004,with the second connector 1012 formed with a receptacle 1404 at its enddesigned to fit over the projection 1403 and place second surface 1003adjacent first surface 1002 in the operating position with the channelscoupled. First power transfer element 1105 is formed along the peripheryof first connector 1011 surrounding the one or more channels, and secondpower transfer element 1205 formed inside the walls 1402 of the secondconnector 1012's projection 1403. The respective power transfer elementsmay also be formed along the surfaces 1002 and 1003 surrounding thechannels. A similar mechanical structure may be employed with the powertransfer elements like those in FIG. 12, positioned along the interiorof wall 1402 and the exterior of connector 1402.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a medical camera system according toanother embodiment of the present invention. The system 1700 includes avideo medical scope 1701 defining an enclosed space within a distalportion 1702 and a proximal portion 1704, which are designed to coupleand uncouple from each other to provide a two-part scope. Proximalportion 1704 serves as a handpiece for the scope 1701, while distalportion 1702 holds the instrument shaft. This arrangement providesseveral benefits such as allowing the use of disposable distal portions1702, which may be constructed with commodity sensors and less expensivecomponents, while allowing the scope cable 204 and proximal portion 1704to be re-used. Another benefit is allowing a scope to be swapped out orchanged easily during a procedure, such as to replace with a smaller orlarger scope, or a scope with different devices integrated such as acauterizing head or other surgical instrument. The video medical scopeincludes at least one image sensor for providing image data, which istypically mounted in an image sensor module 1020 positioned at thedistal end tip of the scope shaft 1021. An LED 1030 or other lightsource may also be positioned at the distal tip for providing imaginglight. The shaft 1021 can be rigid, semi-rigid, semi-flexible, flexible,with or without a channel, or with or without a flexible tip section andother configurations. Image sensor module 1020 is electrically coupledto signal processor 1024 for providing image data. A first opticalmodulator 1723 arranged within the distal portion and communicativelycoupled preferably electrically, to the image sensor through signalprocessor 1024. The first optical modulator 1723 is configured tooptically modulate at least the image data for transmission. A distalinterface includes interface channels further described below, and isarranged within the distal portion 1024. The distal interface includesat least a first optical channel S communicatively coupled to firstoptical modulator 1723 and configured to transmit the opticallymodulated image data beyond the enclosed space and over a patientisolation barrier 1703 which is between distal portion 1702 and proximalportion 1704. Preferably the channel includes a first optical fiberconnected to first optical modulator 1723, an optical lens connected tothe first optical fiber and presented at or near the patient isolationbarrier. The proximal interface and distal interface are adapted toreleasably couple to each other with each interface lying on oppositesides of the patient isolation barrier 1703. The proximal interfaceincludes a first optical receiver 1725 configured to receive theoptically modulated image data when the first optical receiver isarranged near or on the first optical channel S. Preferably the proximalinterface includes a second optical lens in the proximal portion,connected to first optical receiver 1725 via an optical fiber. Otherstructures may be employed for the two interfaces, such as an integratedelectro-optical or opto-electrical converter coupled to a respectivelens directly or through another suitable optical element besidesoptical fiber. While this embodiment provides one optical channel,preferably the optical channel includes wavelength division multiplexingallowing multiple optical signals to be transmitted and/or receivedsimultaneously. That is, optical modulator 1723 and optical receiver1725 may both be multiplexing style elements which both transmit andreceive optical signals, and convert to and from electrical signals.First optical receiver 1725 may include an opto-electrical converter fortransmitting the received data on cable 204, or may merely couple orrelay such data down an optical fiber in cable 204. A second opticalreceiver 1733 may also be included at the distal portion, connected tothe signal processor/controller 1024 through an opto-electric converterto relay control signaling. This connection may be two way, with controlresponse and status day conveyed back toward the CCU 104. A similar lenspair with fiber optic channels connects receiver/transceiver 1733 to atransmitter/transceiver 1735 on the proximal portion of the medicalscope 1702, and then fed back to CCU 104 through an electrical oroptical channel through the cable 204. These control signalingconnections are depicted as dotted lines because they may instead beincluded in a single channel through wavelength division multiplexing ortime division multiplexing, for example.

While in this version, an optical receiver 1725 is shown in the proximalportion 1704, other versions may position the optical receiver 1725 atthe opposite, proximal, end of cable 204 at the CCU. In such versions,an optical fiber or optical pathway extends from the proximal interfaceand is routed into cable 204 to CCU 104. There, a pair of beam expansionelements or lenses couples the optical signal off of cable 204 and intoCCU 104 to an appropriate optical demodulator.

The distal and proximal interfaces, when coupled, defining a rotatableconnection that allows for independent rotation, with respect to theproximal interface, of the distal interface, and preferably the entiredistal portion 1702, the rotation including rotation about an axis thatat least spans the distal and proximal interfaces when are coupledtogether as further described below. The first optical channel and firstoptical receiver 1725 respectively configured to maintain the opticalcommunication channel between the first optical channel and the firstoptical receiver when the distal and proximal interfaces are coupled andthe distal interface is rotated, with respect to the proximal interface,at least about the axis.

Distal portion 1702 includes a power transfer element 230 forcontactless transfer of electrical power from power transfer element227, which transmits power from wires or other conductors provided incable 204. Power transfer element 227 is adapted for contactlesstransmission of the electrical power P when the first power transferelement 227 is placed within a near-field communication distance orpower coupling distance from the first power transfer element 230.Example implementations of the two power transfer elements are furtherdescribed with regard to the examples below. The electrical power may beused to operate an imaging device and related electronic components indistal portion 1702, opto-electrical and electro-optical convertersassociated with the distal interface, and illumination elements (notshown in the figures) associated with the image sensor module 1020. Whenthe proximal and distal portions 1704 and 1702 are connected in theoperating position, the two power transfer elements 227 and 230 are in apower transfer orientation with respect to each other, which, in thisembodiment comprises an orientation in which the power transfer elementsare inductively coupled. The two power transfer elements 227 and 230 arealso arranged such that, when in the power transfer orientation, theycontinue or maintain power transfer during rotation of the distalportion 1702 with respect to the proximal portion 1704. As describedwith respect to other embodiments herein, power control circuitry isprovided operable to supply a suitable driving signal to cause avariable current flow in first power transfer element 227 and consequentelectromagnetic field around the first power transfer element. Thisfield produced around first power transfer element 227 induces a currentin second power transfer element 230. The induced current is conditionedby power receiver/conditioner circuit to provide a suitable power supplyto the distal portion 1702. For example, a power receiver/conditionercircuit may comprise a suitable rectifying circuit for converting thesignal induced in second power transfer element 230 to a DC voltage.This preferred arrangement of wireless power transfer between proximaland distal portions 1704 and 1702 results in complete electricalisolation between electrical circuits associated with the respectiveportions, achieving an electrical isolation in the power supply acrosspatient isolation barrier 1703. This allows a cable design for cable204, which connects to a CCU or other control module, similar to that ofFIG. 5. Cable 204 includes electrical conductors for supplying power,and one or more optical fibers or optionally electrical signal channelsfor transmitting and receiving data along the cable.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the videomedical scope 1701 shown in block diagram form in FIG. 17. The depictedvideo medical scope 1701 includes a distal portion 1702 is adapted tocouple and release from the proximal portion 1704, allowing the twoportions to be connected together in a longitudinally rigid handleportion that allows the operator to rotate distal portion 1702 whileholding proximal portion 1704 as a handle. Control buttons 1808 areprovided on the exterior surface of proximal portion 1704, which may beconfigured for various control function such as mode switching, on/offor zooming, for example. Control buttons may instead be placed on distalportion 1702. Button signals may be transmitted to the distal portion1702 for use by the signal processor and controller 1024 is controllingthe camera and imaging light electronics. This may be done by modulatingthe signals onto the inductive power transfer signal transmitted frompower transfer element 227 with a suitable known modulating circuit, anddemodulating the signal from the power signal receives by power transferelement 230 with a suitable known demodulating circuit to feed thebutton signal to controller 1024. The button signal may also be routeddown the cable electrically and introduced into control signaling whichis transmitted optically back up the cable and across the patientisolation barrier optically. In this version, proximal portion 1704presents a cylindrical cavity 1804 into which the distal portion 1702 isinserted like a plug. This is not limiting, and other versions may haveother machinal designs suitable for providing the desired coupling, suchas, for example a reversal of the depicted shapes in which distalportion 1702 has a cylindrical cavity and proximal portion 1704 fitsinside the cavity. As another example, design may include a post onproximal portion 1704 onto which the distal portion 1702 may fit, or atwo-sided clamp design for proximal portion 1704, for example. Asuitable latch, pin and groove, or other locking mechanism may be usedto hold the coupled portions together and still allow rotation whilecoupled. In the coupled position, distal portion 1702 is inserted intocavity 1804, placing its proximal face 1710 against distal face 1810 ofproximal portion 1704, the inner or back wall of the cylindrical cavity.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the distal portion 1702 has a longitudinalcentral axis X. A lens 1803 or other optical expansion element, which isthe channel end for the first optical channel connected to first opticalmodulator 1723, is centered along the central axis X. A similar lens oroptical expansion element 1903, which is the channel end for the opticalchannel to receiver 1725 in the proximal portion 1704, is positionedalong face 1810 centered along the central axis Y of proximal portion1804. In the coupled position, lenses 1803 and 1903 face each other fortransmitting optical signals between the two. They may contact or a gapmay be present as discussed above with regard to the use of opticallenses for fiber optic transmission. Because the lenses 1803 and 1903are centrally located about the axis of rotation of the medical scope1701 in the coupled position, rotation of the distal portion 1702relative to the proximal portion does not cause loss of connectivity foroptically transmitting data through the optical from optical modulator1723 to receiver/demodulator 1725.

In FIG. 18, power transfer element 230 of distal portion 1702 is seen asa helical induction coil embedded near the outer surface distal portion1702, for wirelessly receiving electrical power over the patientisolation barrier from power transfer element 227, which, in thisembodiment, embedded or presented along the interior wall of cylindricalcavity 1804. The two power transfer elements 227 and 230 are alsoarranged such that, when in the power transfer orientation element 230is nested inside element 227, and they continue or maintain powertransfer during rotation of the distal portion 1702 with respect to theproximal portion 1704. While in this versions, nested inductive coilsare used, other versions may employ a pair of flat coils presentedalong, or embedded along, faces 1710 and 1810. In such case, the coilswould circle the central axis of rotation and so maintain a powertransfer orientation when rotated distal portion 1702 is rotated withrespect to proximal portion 1704 in the coupled position.

FIG. 19 is a cross-section schematic block diagram of another examplevideo medical scope for use in a system herein. FIG. 20 is perspectiveview of the video medical scope of FIG. 19. Referring to both figures,the depicted scope is somewhat similar to that of FIG. 18, including twoparts, distal portion 1702 and proximal portion 1704, which couple anduncouple and allow the communication link to be maintained when rotatingdistal portion 1702 with respect to proximal portion 1704 in the coupledstate. In this version, the two power transfer elements 227 and 230 arealso positioned as opposing flat inductive coils surrounding opposingfaces of the elements 1702 and 1704. The coils are embedded within aring structure extending from each portion along or near the end facesat which the distal and proximal portions couple. In the coupledconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 19, power transfer elements 227 and 230are in a power transfer orientation with the inductive coils arrangedadjacent each other. In this version, a single optical channel carriesthe image data from the scope to the CCU 104, and carries control datato the scope.

In the distal portion 1702, an expansion lens 1803 or other expandingbeam optical component is shown presented in an extension along theproximal side of distal portion 1702. The expansion lens 1803, asdiscussed above with respect to the other embodiments herein, serves toexpand and collimate the optical signal supplied over fiber optics fromoptical modulator 1723 and feed it to opposing lens 1903. Expansion lens1803 also serves receive an expanded optical signal from lens 1903 andfeed it to the fiber optic connection to fiber opticdemodulator/receiver 1733. A similar pair of optical transmitter ormodulator 1725 and optical receiver or demodulator 1735 are present onthe proximal portion connected by fiber optics or other suitable opticalchannel to expansion lens 1903. A recess is provided in the face ofproximal portion 1704 in this version, into which the extension holdinglens 1903 is fits in the coupled position as depicted. This is notlimiting and the recess may be on the distal portion 1702, or the lensesmay be presented at the surface without a recess or extension.

Note that while fiber optic transmission using optical signals isdescribed in some embodiments for providing communication across thepatient isolation barrier, this is not limiting and other embodimentsmay use opto-electric components without fiber optic elements.

For example, FIGS. 21-22 show a version in which several LEDemitter/receiver pairs, which may include standard LEDs or laser diodes,are employed for communication. FIG. 21 is an end-on diagram view of adistal portion 1702 of another example embodiment of a two-part scope.FIG. 22 is a side view block diagram of the same element 1702. In thisembodiment, a power transfer element 230 receives power from a proximalportion similarly to that of FIG. 21. Data communication is achieved byseveral LED emitter/detector pairs 2102, which are electricallyconnected to signal processor 1024 for transmitting the image data tothe proximal portion, and for receiving control data from the proximalportion. Each element 2102 may contain both an LED emitter and detectorfor 2-way communication according to a suitable short range lightcommunication standard such as IRDA. In some versions, one or more ofthe elements 2102 may be only an LED emitter, for communicating with amatching light detector on the proximal portion. However, the use ofemitter/detector pairs allows the coupled distal portion 1702 to berotated with respect to the proximal portion 1704 and maintain thecommunication link. The LED emitter/detector pairs 2102 are arranged atsimilar radial positions around the proximal face of distal portion2702, allowing communication links to be maintained after rotation byreceiving at a first receiver 2102 before rotation, and then receivingat a second, different receiver 2102 after rotation. In this versionthere are six LED emitter/detector pairs presented at the proximal faceof distal portion 1702.

FIG. 23 is a side view block diagram of a medical camera system 1701according to another embodiment. FIG. 24 is an end-on diagram view of adistal portion 1702 of the medical camera system of FIG. 23. Thisembodiment is a medical scope having detachable proximal and distalportions 1704 and 1702 with power transfer elements 227, 230 andgenerally functions as described with respect to the prior embodiments,including allowing rotation of distal portion 1702 with respect toproximal portion 1704 while maintaining the communications links whenthe distal portion 1702 is rotated with respect to the proximal portion1704. In this version, there are two different types of communicationlink for transferring data across the patient isolation barrier 1703between the proximal and distal portions. A first higher bandwidth linkincludes a lens 1803 or other optical expansion element, which is thechannel end for the first optical channel connected to first opticalmodulator 1723, is centered along the central axis X. A similar lens oroptical expansion element 1903, which is the channel end for the opticalchannel to receiver 1725 in the proximal portion 1704, is positionedrecessed, or flush, along face 1810 centered along the central axis Y ofproximal portion 1804. In the coupled position, lenses 1803 and 1903face each other for transmitting optical signals between the two forcarrying image data from the camera at relatively high bandwidth. Inthis version, control data is carried by a second communications means,typically a much lower-bandwidth system than the optical signaling,including several LED emitter/detector pairs 2102. The emitter/detectorpairs may be one-directional (i.e. emitters only on the proximal portion1704 and detectors only on distal portion 1702) or two-way in which bothproximal and distal portions include emitters and detectors at eachdesignated element 2102. The emitter detector pair may be driven withcommunications signals by a local communications controller 240positioned in proximal portion 1704 communicatively linked to CCU 104 asshown, or may be driven directly through electrical connections passedthrough cable 204.

FIG. 25 is a side view block diagram of a medical camera system 1701according to another embodiment. FIG. 26 is an end-on diagram view of adistal portion 1702 of the medical camera system of FIG. 25. Thisembodiment is another example a medical scope having detachable proximaland distal portions 1704 and 1702 which, when coupled or attached toeach other, allow rotation of distal portion 1702 with respect toproximal portion 1704. The power transfer elements 227, 230 arepositioned embedded at the opposing end faces of proximal portion 1704and distal portion 1702. As can be seen in FIG. 25, the power transferelements are, in this version, radially inside the arrangement of LEDemitter/detectors 2102, and surrounding the higher bandwidth opticalconnection provided by optical expansion elements 1803 and 1903. Theemitter/detector pairs are presented at the opposing faces, along acircle radially outside the power transfer elements 227 and 230. Whileas shown there are two different types of communication link fortransferring data across the patient isolation barrier 1703 similarly tothe embodiment of FIG. 23, this arrangement of power transfer elementsmay also be employed with the optical communication scheme used in theembodiment of FIG. 19 in which two-way communications are used with WDMAor TDMA multiplexing on the optical link. Similarly, this arrangementpower transfer elements may also be employed with the communicationsscheme of the embodiment of FIG. 22, in which LED emitter detector pairs2102 are used in parallel to achieve higher bandwidth communicationswithout a fiber-optic link for transferring image data from distalportion 1702. Further, the design of FIG. 25 may be employed with amechanical design for the body of the distal and proximal portions 1702and 1704 such as that of FIG. 18, with a receiving cavity formed ineither the distal or proximal portion to receive the opposing portion.

The various components of an interface according to the presentinvention may be formed from any suitable material or combination ofmaterials. The materials should be selected for compatibility withenvironment in which the interface is to be used or to which theinterface may be subjected. For example, connectors may be formed fromsuitable thermoplastics. With regard to cable 204 shown in FIG. 5, cover501 may comprise reinforced silicone rubber, and EMF shielding maycomprise a suitable fine gauge conductive mesh. Filler/reinforcingstrands 508 and 515 may be formed from any suitable material which iscompatible with the other elements in cable 204 and provides the desiredstrength characteristics.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a medical camera system according toanother embodiment of the present invention using radio frequency (RF)transmission to send data across the patient isolation barrier 2703. Thedepicted system 2700 includes a video medical scope 2701 defining anenclosed space within a distal portion 2702 and a proximal portion 2704,which are designed to couple and uncouple from each other to provide atwo-part scope. Similarly to the previous embodiment, proximal portion2704 serves as a handpiece for the scope 2701, while distal portion 2702holds the instrument shaft, providing all the advantages ofinterchangeability, reconfiguration, and disposability discussed above.

Distal portion 2702 includes a power transfer element 230 for wirelesslyreceiving electrical power over the patient isolation barrier from powertransfer element 227, which transmits power from wires or otherconductors provided in cable 204. Power transfer element 227 is adaptedfor wirelessly transmitting the electrical power P when the first powertransfer element 227 is placed within a near-field communicationdistance or power coupling distance from the first power transferelement 230. Design considerations for the two power transfer elementsare discussed above and will not be repeated here. The electrical powermay be used to operate an imaging device and related electroniccomponents in distal portion 2702. When the proximal and distal portions2704 and 2702 are connected in the operating position, the two powertransfer elements 227 and 230 are in a power transfer orientation withrespect to each other, which, in this embodiment comprises anorientation in which the power transfer elements are inductivelycoupled. Preferably, the two power transfer elements 227 and 230 arealso arranged such that, when in the power transfer orientation, theycontinue or maintain power transfer during rotation of the distalportion 2702 with respect to the proximal portion 2704.

The video medical scope 2701 includes at least one image sensor forproviding image data, which is typically mounted in an image sensormodule 1020 positioned at the distal end tip of the scope shaft 1021. AnLED 1030 or other light source may also be positioned at the distal tipfor providing imaging light. In other examples, the light source may beprovided by an external light source coupled to the scope 2701 with alight cable for transmission via one more light guides within the shaft1021. The shaft 1021 can be rigid, semi-rigid, semi-flexible, flexible,with or without a channel, or with or without a flexible tip section andother configurations. Image sensor module 1020 is electrically coupledto signal processor 1024 for providing image data. A first RFtransmitter or transceiver modulator 2723 arranged within the distalportion and communicatively coupled preferably electrically, to theimage sensor through signal processor 1024. The first RF transmitter ortransceiver 2723 includes at least an RF modulator and may include an RFamplifier. The output of RF transmitter or transceiver 2723 is connectedto a first RF antenna 2724. RF antenna 2724 is part of a distalinterface including interface channels further described below, and isarranged within the distal portion 1024.

The proximal interface includes a first RF receiver or transceiver 2725having a second antenna 2726 and configured to receive the image datawhen the two portions 2702 and 2704 are coupled. A first RF channel,shown by the lower depicted signal path S, is formed by RF transmitteror transceiver 2723 configured to transmit the RF modulated image databeyond the enclosed space and over a patient isolation barrier 2703(which is between distal portion 2702 and proximal portion 2704) tosecond RF antenna 2726 which is coupled to RF receiver or transceiver2725. The proximal interface and distal interface are adapted toreleasably couple to each other with each interface lying on oppositesides of the patient isolation barrier 2703.

A second RF channel may be used in some versions for transmittingcontrol data, shown by the upper depicted RF signal path S formed by atransmitter or transceiver 2735 coupled to antenna 2736 in the proximalportion 2704, and a corresponding antenna 2734 and receiver ortransceiver 2733 in the distal portion 2702. Some versions may shareantennas 2724 and 2726 to transmit and receive the second RF channel bymodulating on different frequencies and mixing both channels with anappropriate RF combiner and splitter connected to each antenna. Or, iftransceivers are used for elements 2725 and 2723, both control and imagedata may be sent over the first RF channel.

In some embodiments, video medical scope 2701 may further include afirst faraday cage structure 2738 positioned surrounding the first RFantenna 2724 in all directions excepting the proximal direction, and asecond faraday cage structure 2739 positioned surrounding the second RFantenna 2726 in all directions excepting the distal direction. Thefaraday cage structures are preferably formed of a metal such as copper,or another suitable conductor, and surround their respective antennas onall sides, with an opening or open side facing the opposing faces ofdistal and proximal portions 2702 ad 2704. Such an arrangement serves toreduce or eliminate RF emissions outside of video medical scope 2701 byforming a nearly complete faraday enclosure or faraday cage enclosingthe first transmission channel when the distal and proximal portions arejoined. To preserve the patient isolation barrier's electrical isolationcharacteristics, the faraday cage structures are preferably builtextending inside the respective housings of distal portion 2702 andproximal portion 2704 as closely as possible to the outer face of thehousing while still including an insulative layer over the edges of thefaraday cage structures to prevent an electrically conductive pathforming between the two faraday cage structures. If two RF channels areused with two separate antennas as shown, faraday cage structures 2738and 2739 may also enclose the antennas 2734 and 2736, respectively toallow all RF emissions to pass within a single faraday enclosure, or aseparate faraday enclosure may be formed with an additional faraday cagestructure 2740 and 2741 surrounding antennas 2734 and 2736 respectively.As shown, the faraday cage structures may enclose thereceiver/transmitter circuitry including the electrical coupling to theantennas, or they may enclose only the antennas with a suitable apertureallowing the modulated signal to be coupled into the faraday cagestructure.

FIG. 28 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the proximal interfaceof the distal portion 1702 according to an example embodiment. In thisversion, the first RF antenna 2724 comprises a short range low power RFantenna. Depicted is an example antenna radiation pattern 2800 showingthe directionality of the antenna 2724. The second antenna on theproximal side will have a similar radiation pattern facing the firstantenna, providing an arrangement where the first RF antenna 2724 is adirectional antenna having a directional emission pattern directedtoward the second antenna 2726, and the second RF antenna is adirectional antenna having a directional emission pattern directedtoward the first RF antenna. A faraday cage structure 2738 may be used,or if the RF radiation is sufficiently low the structure may be leftout. Antenna 2724 may be centrally located along an axis of rotation,allowing the proximal portion and the distal portion rotate with respectto each other without losing RF reception.

As discussed above with regard to other embodiments, one-way or two-waytransmission of the control data may instead be accomplished bymodulating control data onto a power transfer electro-magnetic field.FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional diagram of such an embodiment, with FIG. 30showing an end-on diagram of distal portion 1702 of the same embodiment.As shown, the power transfer elements 227 and 230 include circular coilspositioned underneath the opposing surfaces of the proximal and distalportions 1702 and 1704. The surface is constructed of insulativematerial to maintain the electrical isolation barrier. A pair of datamodulator/demodulators 280 are electrically coupled to the powertransfer elements, with the data modulator/demodulator 280 of theproximal portion connected through cable 204 to the CCU to receivecontrol data. The data modulator/demodulator 280 of the distal portionreceives the control data coupled through the coils of power transferelements 227 and 230, and passes it to signal processor 1024 to controlthe settings. Confirmation and status information may be sent as controldata from signal processor 1024 using the same techniques in reverse.This arrangement requires only one RF channel with transmit and receiveantennas as discussed above shielded inside faraday cage structures 2738and 2739. It also allows the use of a transmit-only RF scheme for theimage data, while the lower-bandwidth control data is passed over thepower link while still providing an isolation barrier between theproximal and distal portions 1704 and 1702. The faraday cage structures2738 and 2739 may enclose additional electrical features within thedistal portion 1702 and the proximal portion 1704.

FIG. 31 shows an end-on view of another example distal portion 1702,similar to that of FIG. 30, but having the faraday cage structurepositioned outside of the coils of power transfer element 230 to allowfor more efficient coupling of power. The proximal portion 1704 of thisdesign has similar elements in opposing positions.

Referring to embodiments that employ RF data transmission, theparticular modulation format, bandwidth, and power transmission levelused to transmit the image data and control data may vary. If two RFchannels are used, the control channel (between 2733 and 2735) may havea much lower bandwidth because of the much lower data bit rates requiredfor control data versus the image data transmission. For the image data(first RF channel), a two-way wireless connection such as a PAN(personal area network) standard or a wireless networking standard maybe used allowing control data to be passed. Or a one-way connection sucha one-way wireless video transmission standard may be used. The powerlevel should be reduced from typical wireless network or videotransmission applications because of the extreme proximity of antennas2726 and 2724 to each other. Preferably a known standard is used withthe transmit power adjusted, the standard having a bandwidth sufficientfor standard definition resolution, HD resolution, 4K resolution, orhigher. For example, the WirelessHD specification is based on a 7 GHzchannel in the 60 GHz Extremely High Frequency radio band. It allowseither compressed or uncompressed digital transmission ofhigh-definition video and audio and data signals. Other standards thatmay be applied are WIDI, Miracast™, Wireless Gigabit, Wireless HDMI,WHDI (Wireless Home Digital Interface), or other high-bandwidth WLAN orPAN standards.

In some embodiments, the distal and proximal interfaces, when coupled,define a rotatable connection that allows for independent rotation ofthe distal interface with respect to the proximal interface. Suchrotation preferably rotates the entire distal portion 2702, the rotationincluding rotation about an axis that at least spans the distal andproximal interfaces when coupled together. The first RF channel andfirst RF receiver 2725 are respectively configured to maintain the RFcommunication channel between the first RF channel and the first RFreceiver when the distal and proximal interfaces are coupled and thedistal interface is rotated, with respect to the proximal interface, atleast about the axis. Some embodiments may employ near-fieldcommunications in which the first RF modulator and the first RF antennamake up a low power, near-field radio transmitter, and first RF receiverand the second RF antenna make up a low power, near-field radioreceiver.

FIG. 32 is a perspective diagram of a video scope device according toanother example embodiment employing RF video data transmission. Theposition of the power transfer elements and antennas is shown in thediagram. The internal electronics may be similar to those in FIG. 27 or29, for example. In this embodiment, proximal portion 1704 includes afirst receptacle 3204 into which the distal portion 1702 is adapted tobe partially inserted to couple the proximal and distal portions. Wheninserted, the first antenna 2724, shown placed beneath the surface atthe distal interface such that it sits opposite second antenna 2726 whenthe distal portion 1702 is inserted into the proximal portion 1704. Thepower transfer elements 227 and 230 are arranged similarly to the deviceof FIG. 18, with the various portions having similar reference numbers.The power transfer elements include an inductive coil positioned aroundan inside wall of the first receptacle 1804, and the power receivingelement comprising an inductive coil positioned along an outer edge ofthe distal portion 1702.

As used herein, whether in the above description or the followingclaims, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to beopen-ended, that is, to mean including but not limited to. Also, itshould be understood that the terms “about,” “substantially,” and liketerms used herein when referring to a dimension or characteristic of acomponent indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not astrict boundary or parameter and does not exclude variations therefromthat are functionally similar. At a minimum, such references thatinclude a numerical parameter would include variations that, usingmathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g.,rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturingtolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit.

Any use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., inthe following claims to modify a claim element does not by itselfconnote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element overanother, or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed.Rather, unless specifically stated otherwise, such ordinal terms areused merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certainname from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinalterm).

In the above descriptions and the following claims, terms such as top,bottom, upper, lower, and the like with reference to a given feature areintended only to identify a given feature and distinguish that featurefrom other features. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such termsare not intended to convey any spatial or temporal relationship for thefeature relative to any other feature.

The term “each” may be used in the following claims for convenience indescribing characteristics or features of multiple elements, and anysuch use of the term “each” is in the inclusive sense unlessspecifically stated otherwise. For example, if a claim defines two ormore elements as “each” having a characteristic or feature, the use ofthe term “each” is not intended to exclude from the claim scope asituation having a third one of the elements which does not have thedefined characteristic or feature.

The above described preferred embodiments are intended to illustrate theprinciples of the invention, but not to limit the scope of theinvention. Various other embodiments and modifications to thesepreferred embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. For example, in someinstances, one or more features disclosed in connection with oneembodiment can be used alone or in combination with one or more featuresof one or more other embodiments. More generally, the various featuresdescribed herein may be used in any working combination.

1. A video medical scope defining an enclosed space between a firstportion and a second portion, the video medical scope comprising: atleast one image sensor for providing image data; a first interfacearranged within the first portion comprising a first RF transmitterincluding a first RF antenna communicatively coupled to a first RFmodulator that converts the image data to modulated image data; a firstpower transfer element for contactless transmission of electrical poweracross the enclosed space; and a second interface arranged within thesecond portion and configured to releasably couple to the firstinterface on opposite sides of the enclosed space, the second interfacecomprising a first RF receiver including a second RF antenna configuredto receive the modulated image data from the first RF antenna; a secondpower transfer element for contactless transmission of electrical powerwhen the first power transfer element is placed within a power couplingdistance from the second power transfer element, wherein the first RFantenna comprises a short range low power RF antenna centrally locatedalong an axis of rotation whereby the first interface and the secondinterface rotate with respect to each other, wherein the first RFtransmitter is configured to transmit the modulated image data acrossthe enclosed space to the first RF receiver when the first and secondinterfaces are coupled.
 2. The scope according to claim 1, furthercomprising a second RF modulator arranged within the second portion, thesecond RF modulator adapted to communicate with a camera control unit(CCU) to modulate at least control data for the image sensor.
 3. Thescope according to claim 1, further comprising a first faraday cagestructure positioned surrounding the first RF antenna in all directionsexcepting a first direction and a second faraday cage structurepositioned surrounding the second RF antenna in all directions exceptinga second direction opposite the first direction when the first andsecond interface are coupled.
 4. The scope according to claim 1, whereinthe first RF antenna is a directional antenna having a directionalemission pattern directed toward the second antenna and the second RFantenna is a directional antenna having a directional emission patterndirected toward the first RF antenna when the first and secondinterfaces are coupled.
 5. The scope according to claim 1, wherein thefirst RF modulator and the first RF antenna comprise a low power,near-field radio transmitter.
 6. The scope according to claim 1, whereinthe second portion includes a first receptacle into which the firstportion is adapted to be partially inserted to couple with first andsecond portions, the first power transfer element comprising aninductive coil positioned along an outer edge of the first portion andthe second transfer element comprising an inductive coil positionedaround an inside wall of the first receptacle.
 7. The scope according toclaim 1, wherein the second power transfer element comprises a firstflat inductive coil positioned in a radial extension of the secondportion and the first power transfer element comprises a second flatinductive coil positioned in a radial extension of the first portion. 8.The scope according to claim 1, wherein the first portion contains anillumination light emitting device.
 9. A video medical scope defining anenclosed space between a first portion and a second portion, the videomedical scope comprising: at least one image sensor for providing imagedata; a first interface arranged within the first portion comprising afirst RF transmitter including a first RF antenna communicativelycoupled to a first RF modulator that converts the image data tomodulated image data; a first power transfer element for contactlesstransmission of electrical power across the enclosed space; and a firstfaraday cage structure positioned surrounding the first RF antenna inall directions excepting a first direction; and a second interfacearranged within the second portion comprising a first RF receiverincluding a second RF antenna configured to receive the modulated imagedata from the first RF antenna; a second power transfer element forcontactless transmission of electrical power when the first powertransfer element is placed within a power coupling distance from thesecond power transfer element; and a second faraday cage structurepositioned surrounding the second RF antenna in all directions exceptinga second direction opposite the first direction when the first andsecond interface are coupled, wherein the first RF transmitter isconfigured to transmit the modulated image data across the enclosedspace to the first RF receiver when the first and second interfaces arecoupled.
 10. The scope according to claim 9, wherein the first RFantenna comprises a short range low power RF antenna centrally locatedalong an axis of rotation whereby the first interface and the secondinterface rotate with respect to each other.
 11. The scope according toclaim 9, wherein the first RF antenna is a directional antenna having adirectional emission pattern directed toward the second antenna and thesecond RF antenna is a directional antenna having a directional emissionpattern directed toward the first RF antenna when the first and secondinterfaces are coupled.
 12. The scope according to claim 9, wherein thefirst RF modulator and the first RF antenna comprise a low power,near-field radio transmitter.
 13. The scope according to claim 9,wherein the second portion includes a first receptacle into which thefirst portion is adapted to be partially inserted to couple with firstand second portions, the first power transfer element comprising aninductive coil positioned along an outer edge of the first portion andthe second transfer element comprising an inductive coil positionedaround an inside wall of the first receptacle.
 14. The scope accordingto claim 9, wherein the second power transfer element comprises a firstflat inductive coil positioned in a radial extension of the secondportion and the first power transfer element comprises a second flatinductive coil positioned in a radial extension of the first portion.15. The scope according to claim 9, wherein the first portion containsan illumination light emitting device.
 16. A video medical scopedefining an enclosed space between a first portion and a second portion,the video medical scope comprising: at least one image sensor forproviding image data; a first interface arranged within the firstportion comprising a first RF transmitter including a first RF antennacommunicatively coupled to a first RF modulator that converts the imagedata to modulated image data; and a first power transfer element forcontactless transmission of electrical power across the enclosed space;and a second interface arranged within the second portion comprising afirst RF receiver including a second RF antenna configured to receivethe modulated image data from the first RF antenna; and a second powertransfer element for contactless transmission of electrical power whenthe first power transfer element is placed within a power couplingdistance from the second power transfer element; the first RFtransmitter configured to transmit the modulated image data across theenclosed space to the first RF receiver when the first and secondinterfaces are coupled, the first RF antenna is a directional antennahaving a directional emission pattern directed toward the second antennaand the second RF antenna is a directional antenna having a directionalemission pattern directed toward the first RF antenna when the first andsecond interfaces are coupled.
 17. The scope according to claim 16,further comprising a first faraday cage structure positioned surroundingthe first RF antenna in all directions excepting a first direction and asecond faraday cage structure positioned surrounding the second RFantenna in all directions excepting a second direction opposite thefirst direction when the first and second interface are coupled.
 18. Thescope according to claim 16, wherein the first RF modulator and thefirst RF antenna comprise a low power, near-field radio transmitter. 19.The scope according to claim 16, wherein the second portion includes afirst receptacle into which the first portion is adapted to be partiallyinserted to couple with first and second portions, the first powertransfer element comprising an inductive coil positioned along an outeredge of the first portion and the second transfer element comprising aninductive coil positioned around an inside wall of the first receptacle.20. The scope according to claim 16, wherein the second power transferelement comprises a first flat inductive coil positioned in a radialextension of the second portion and the first power transfer elementcomprises a second flat inductive coil positioned in a radial extensionof the first portion.